The Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers will meet Week 17 for the final game of the regular season to determine who heads to the playoffs as the winner of the NFC West. Here are the keys to victory for both teams.
49ers’ keys to victory: The 49ers stamped an impressive win over the Rams in Week 16 to knock Los Angeles out of the playoffs and remain atop of the NFC West. With a victory in Seattle on Sunday, San Francisco could ensure a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
However, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and Co. have to get by the Seahawks in the very unfriendly confines of CenturyLink Field first. To do so, the 49ers must exploit Seattle’s depleted defense, who will be doing everything in its power to get to the quarterback.
The 49ers will also now have to account for the additions of running backs Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin, who Seattle signed to boost the run game.
Seahawks’ keys to victory: Like the 49ers, the Seahawks will be fighting for the division crown despite dropping their Week 16 contest to the Cardinals. Having beaten San Francisco on the road this season, Seattle has the mental edge and the opportunity to seal the deal on the national stage.
But with so many players battling injuries, there is room for very little margin of error. Quarterback Russell Wilson needs to continue his campaign for league MVP and lead his team into the endzone – field goals simply won’t be enough to win this ballgame.
With the run game in question, Wilson should turn to wide receiver Tyler Lockett, who is finally healthy and ready for more looks. However, Seattle’s offensive line must be able to give Wilson the protection and time he needs to make any adjustments.
Matchup to watch: Seahawks QB Russell Wilson vs. 49ers edge defenders Wilson will be playing his most important game of the season and this is not the contest Seattle wants to come down to his fourth-quarter heroics.
Wilson and the Seahawks need to strike early and capitalize on every possession. Facing a less-imposing 49ers defense than earlier in the year, the Seahawks have a true chance to topple San Francisco by setting the momentum.
But the absence of Duane Brown proved to be a huge factor Week 16 and Seattle will likely feel his loss even more against the 49ers.
Who wins? The Seahawks manage to find ways to emerge victorious on the national stage and Sunday’s prime-time appearance will be no different. The roaring crowd at CenturyLink Field will be a huge assist for Seattle on Sunday.
Seahawks 30, 49ers 28.
